Foot or ankle pain has a way of creeping into every part of your day—from your first step out of bed to the last walk across the room at night. When conservative treatments haven’t brought the relief you hoped for, newer options like MLS laser therapy might be worth considering.
That’s where a conversation with the experienced podiatrists at Sunshein Podiatry makes all the difference. Asking the right questions helps you understand whether MLS laser therapy fits your diagnosis, lifestyle, and long-term goals—and what kind of results you can realistically expect. Below are key questions to ask your Centerville podiatrist so you can move forward with confidence, clarity, and a personalized plan for relief.
Table of Contents
- What Conditions Can MLS Laser Therapy Treat?
- How Does MLS Laser Therapy Actually Work?
- What Will I Experience During Treatment?
- How Many Treatments Will I Need?
- Are There Any Side Effects or Restrictions?
- How Does MLS Compare to Other Conservative Treatments?
- Is MLS Better Than Steroid Injections or Other Procedures?
- Can MLS Laser Help With Neuropathy or Nerve Pain?
- Where Does MLS Laser Fit in My Treatment Plan?
- What Success Rate Can I Expect?
What Conditions Can MLS Laser Therapy Treat?
Understanding whether MLS laser therapy is appropriate for your specific condition is the first step. MLS laser therapy has shown effectiveness for conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, arthritis pain, nerve pain, sports injuries, and post-surgical healing.
The Centerville podiatrists at Sunschein Podiatry can explain how the laser's ability to reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair makes it suitable for your particular diagnosis. If you have questions, ask your doctor whether the treatment can address more than one problem during the same session.
How Does MLS Laser Therapy Actually Work?
Many patients want to understand the science behind their treatment. MLS laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light that reach deep into your tissues without generating heat that could damage cells. The energy stimulates your cells to produce more ATP, which is essentially cellular fuel, allowing damaged tissues to repair themselves more efficiently.
The treatment also improves blood circulation to the affected area and reduces inflammatory chemicals that cause pain and swelling. Understanding this mechanism can help you appreciate why multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results.
What Will I Experience During Treatment?
Knowing what to expect during your actual treatment session can ease any nervousness. MLS laser therapy is typically painless, with most people feeling only gentle warmth or no sensation at all. There’s no anesthetic needed, and no special preparation.
Sessions usually last between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the size and location of the treatment area. Typically, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes and socks and assume a comfortable position. The doctor will use a wand to guide the laser to the specific treatment area. Once your treatment is complete, you can resume your normal activities.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments you’ll need depends on your unique needs. While some acute injuries may respond in just a few sessions, chronic conditions often require a longer treatment protocol. Many patients undergo treatments two to three times per week for several weeks. Your podiatrist can provide a realistic timeline based on your specific condition and its severity.
Are There Any Side Effects or Restrictions?
Typically, there are no side effects of MLS laser therapy. Patients usually resume their normal daily activities immediately. Your doctor will need to know if you are pregnant, undergoing cancer treatment, or taking specific medications that can make your skin photosensitive (sensitive to light). Other restrictions may apply, too.
Please discuss any medical conditions, medications you are taking, or other concerns with your podiatrist at Sunshein Podiatry. Our doctors can then recommend an appropriate treatment approach based on your personal medical history and other factors.
How Does MLS Compare to Other Conservative Treatments?
When it comes to conditions like plantar fasciitis (heel pain), MLS laser therapy is often part of a bigger picture. Research suggests that laser therapy in general can help with short-term pain relief, especially when combined with stretching, strengthening, and activity guidance. In fact, clinical practice guidelines support using lasers as an add-on to a comprehensive plan. However, core treatments like targeted exercise, footwear advice, and manual therapy remain the foundation because they address the mechanics and stresses that contributed to your pain in the first place.
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is another non-invasive option that many clinics use for persistent heel pain, and it has a larger body of evidence showing lasting improvements in pain and function for some people.
Is MLS Better Than Steroid Injections or Other Procedures?
Steroid injections can provide quick, short-term relief for heel pain, but they are more invasive, and there are some trade-offs to consider (like temporary flare-ups afterward or other rare risks). MLS laser therapy offers a gentler approach with no needles or tissue disruption, which many people prefer. That said, injections or procedures may still be appropriate in select cases after conservative care has been fully explored. Your podiatrist will recommend the appropriate course of treatment for your condition.
Can MLS Laser Help With Neuropathy or Nerve Pain?
People with nerve pain, such as painful diabetic neuropathy, sometimes explore laser therapy to ease symptoms. Research is mixed in this area, and protocols vary. Laser (including MLS) tends to be used as an adjunct (something that supports care) rather than a primary treatment. For neuropathy, we also focus on medical management, glucose control, protective footwear, and pain-specific strategies that fit your needs.
Where Does MLS Laser Fit in My Treatment Plan?
Most often, MLS laser therapy is best described as part of a multimodal approach—meaning it complements other treatments. We routinely start with education, activity guidance, therapeutic exercise, and footwear/orthotic options.
If pain is limiting progress, MLS laser therapy can be a helpful add-on while we continue core therapies. For ongoing or stubborn cases, newer options like shockwave therapy or, in selective cases, injections may be considered. Surgery is usually the last step, only after a thoughtful trial of non-surgical care.
What Success Rate Can I Expect?
While individual results vary, asking about typical outcomes helps set realistic expectations. Request information about success rates for your specific condition and what "success" means—complete pain elimination, significant reduction, or improved function. Your podiatrist can share what percentage of patients experience meaningful improvement and how long those results typically last.
Taking time to ask these questions ensures you're making an informed decision about MLS laser therapy with your Centerville podiatrist as your partner in care.